Understanding the Impact of a Mental Health Diagnosis on Your Child
When your child begins therapy, you might be seeking a diagnosis for them, or you might want to go through the process without one, or you may be unsure if you want to have your child receive a diagnosis. There are ways in which a diagnosis can provide support to your child and family, and there are also ways that it can be a hindrance.
Here we’ll explore many of the effects a diagnosis can have on your child’s life so that you can make an informed decision on if you want to seek a diagnosis for your child.
Educational Accommodations
A key support that many caregivers seek for their child is educational accommodations which require a diagnosis. This is because the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires public schools to provide a free and appropriate education to eligible students with disabilities from ages 3-21. With her knowledge as a former school counselor, one of our therapists, Jami, explains the ins and outs of educational accommodations in this blog in great detail and answers many frequently asked questions, including sharing where to learn more about educational accommodations if your child attends a private school.
Medication
Another support that is only accessible with a diagnosis is medication. Medication can be prescribed by an array of doctors including psychiatrists and neurologists. Many facets of medication are best discussed with the prescribing doctor.
Misdiagnosis
A diagnosis can be a hindrance if it’s a misdiagnosis. Misdiagnosis can occur for a variety of reasons, but it’s important to be aware of and consider if you decide to seek a diagnosis for your child. To avoid misdiagnosis, there are a few things the evaluator can do, so it’s worth checking to see if your evaluation includes these things.
The evaluation can include multiple informant reports. This means that the data the evaluator gathers comes from multiple people. A diagnosis based on reports from caregivers, teachers, and the child will be more informed than a diagnosis based on reports only from caregivers. If your child’s therapist has been working with them for a substantial amount of time, they can also be a resource for the evaluator to gather information from.
An evaluator should also rule out other similar diagnoses, both mental and physical. The evaluator should rule out other mental diagnoses, while your child’s pediatrician can be the first person you check with to rule out physical diagnoses.
Once you receive a diagnosis, be sure to discuss with the evaluator any concerns you might have.
Over-Reliance on Diagnosis
A diagnosis can also become a hindrance if support people over-rely on it. When support people focus too much on a child’s diagnosis, the child’s individuality and unique needs are overlooked. When seeking support for your child, this over-reliance on the diagnosis can lead to other factors that impact your child’s behavior being overlooked. In general, this misdirected focus can lead to your child being seen for their label rather than as a whole person.
Intrapersonal Understanding
On the other hand, having a diagnosis can help your child to better understand themself as a whole person. For example, a child who has ADHD but has not been diagnosed may internalize the consequences they receive for being impulsive, whereas a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD will be able to learn how their brain works differently and integrate that into their understanding of themself as an individual.
Insurance
There are a couple of things to consider when it comes to diagnoses and insurance. First, insurance companies require a diagnosis to cover the cost of many services, such as psychotherapy and occupational therapy. Insurance companies need a diagnosis to deem services needed because of a medical condition. Second, when the insurance company receives a diagnosis for your child, that means it is a part of your child’s health record. We’ll circle back in a moment to how your child’s health record can impact future opportunities. It's important to weigh the benefits of receiving services to the long-term effects of a diagnosis being on your child’s health record.
Future Opportunities
Since a diagnosis is added to your child’s health record, future opportunities might be impacted if there are ones that check this. For example, the military and The Peace Corps check mental health records during the enlistment process to ensure fitness.
Influence on Parenting Techniques
A diagnosis can provide clarity around a child’s behaviors which can help caregivers respond to their child in new ways and implement techniques that are more empathetic and effective. One structured example of this is SPACE, which is a program that focuses on the ways a caregiver responds to and accommodates a child’s anxiety.
Stigmatization
Supporting and protecting your child is a huge part of being a caregiver, so worries about stigmas may come up when considering if you want to seek a diagnosis. You might be considering the potential detriment to self-esteem from social interactions if your child has a diagnosis. On the other hand, a diagnosis can sometimes reduce stigma by providing an improved understanding of a child’s behaviors that might otherwise be judged. Bibliotherapy (books that share a counseling concern) are a great way to help children learn about these topics. In our bibliotherapy guide, books are organized into categories such as ADHD, Anxiety, Dyslexia, and Neurodiversity.
Support Networks
A diagnosis can also help families and children grow their support network. It can help both caregivers and children connect with others who have similar experiences, whether through chance meetings or organized groups. This sense of community can provide great emotional support for all members of the family.
Deciding whether to seek a mental health diagnosis for your child is a complex and personal decision. A diagnosis can unlock critical support, but it also can hinder a child’s individuality. Balancing these pros and cons requires careful consideration, and consultation with your child’s therapist may facilitate your decision. Whether you choose to seek a diagnosis or not, remaining informed and proactive in seeking the right support will empower you to make the best choices for your child's future.
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WRITTEN BY Rachel Esparza, LPC-Associate
Rachel Esparza is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate supervised by Jaclyn N. Sepp, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S™, NCC, RYT® 200 and Sheila Wessels, MEd, LPC-S, RPT-S™. Rachel is also working towards her Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™) credential. At Texas State University, Rachel earned her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling (CACREP Accredited Program) and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families in community counseling settings.
